Brownback to seek funds for Kansas social services

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Gov. Sam Brownback says he will be asking Kansas legislators to increase funding for mental health services for the uninsured and to reduce waiting lists for individuals waiting for disability services.

A request was sent Friday to legislators seeking a total state funding increase of $5 million in the current budget year and in fiscal year 2015. Legislators will consider the request when they return to Topeka next week.

Brownback seeks to pay for the increases by using some of the $30 million savings this year from the state’s privatized Medicaid system for the poor, elderly and disabled known as KanCare. The money will be used to reduce the number of people waiting to receive services related to physical disabilities or intellectual and developmental disabilities.